11 July 2024
Brushing Your Cats Teeth
- Choose a time when your cat is settled. Place him or her quietly on your lap. Offer a pea sized amount of the toothpaste to your pet as a treat to get them used to the taste of it. Another way of getting your cat used to the taste of the toothpaste is to try putting it directly onto their paw and allowing them to lick it off!
- Once your cat is used to the taste of the toothpaste (this process can take over a week, so please be patient) you can then move onto using a finger brush or small headed toothbrush with the toothpaste on.
- Place your left hand across the bridge of the nose with a finger or thumb under the chin to keep the mouth closed. Gently lift the top lip and insert the brush inside the cheek and start to gently brush the toothpaste along the gum line.
- The goal is to brush the outside surfaces of all the teeth in a systematic way. Initially your cat may not co-operate for long enough; if so, start brushing at a different position in his/her mouth each time. Only do a little at a time until your cat gets used to the process.
- Start by cleaning the back teeth, particularly the upper ones, and then the canine teeth.
- There is no need to brush the inner surfaces of the teeth as the tongue will do quite a good job of this.
- Move the brush in gentle circular motions. DO NOT scrub the teeth.
- Toothbrushing should be carried out daily.
- Remember, there is no point wrestling with your cat. Try to make it an enjoyable experience. If your cat behaves well, reward him or her with a small healthy treat afterwards or a fun game to turn it into a positive experience for everyone!
